Newcastle parks named among best in country

A local authority is celebrating national recognition for its green spaces.

Four Newcastle parks have been awarded Green Flag status, marking them among the best-managed parks in the UK. 

Jesmond Dene and Exhibition Park retained the award for the twelfth and sixth consecutive years, respectively, while Leazes and Walker parks regained the accolade for the first time since 2022.

The Green Flag Award is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces, run by Keep Britain Tidy. 

In total, 2250 parks across the country received the award this year.

Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award scheme manager, said: “Congratulations to everyone involved in these award-winning parks who have worked tirelessly to ensure that they achieve the high standards required for the Green Flag Awards.

“Quality parks and green spaces like Jesmond Dene, Leazes, Walker and Exhibition parks make the country a healthier place to live and work in, and a stronger place in which to invest.

“Crucially, these green flag awarded parks are vital green space for communities in Newcastle to enjoy nature, and during the ongoing cost of living crisis it is a free and safe space for families to socialise. 

“It also provides important opportunities for local people and visitors to reap the physical and mental health benefits of green space.”

Newcastle City Council resumed direct management of its parks in March, following the end of a partnership with Urban Green Newcastle. 

All staff transitioned to the council and have continued their work maintaining city green spaces.

Councillor Alex Hay, deputy leader and cabinet member for neighbourhood services at Newcastle City Council, added: “Newcastle boasts some of the most beautiful green spaces in the country, and we are very proud to have increased the number of Green Flag parks in the city.

“This is a fantastic achievement by our dedicated teams, working closely with local communities. 

“Our thanks go to all the volunteers and friends of groups who give their time to support these spaces, as well as the businesses and members of the public who use them and help to care for them.

“Urban Green Newcastle achieved a great deal during its five years, and the progress we’ve made since March shows we are building on that strong foundation.

“The news that four of our parks have met the high standards required for Green Flag accreditation is a credit to the hard work and commitment of the teams who maintain them, making sure they remain and enjoyable for both residents and visitors.

“I want to thank everyone who has played a part, however big or small, in making sure these parks are recognised as among the best in the world.”

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